Motorcycles have to be one of the most exhilarating vehicles to be invented. No top, no suffocating doors and no bulky frame to maneuver through busy streets. Just you, the bike, and road with the wind teasing your hair.
In Australia, sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs numbered 115,488 in 2012. In 2008 alone, the country saw 134,279 motorcycles being sold. Such a trend is thanks to new models being rolled out by notable manufacturers with better safety, better power and better style attracting buyers while an increasing lack of parking space sees more people opting out of the 4-wheeler rage for smaller yet wholly efficient 2-wheelers.
Since the demand for motorcycles is relatively consistent, the need for safety gear becomes more apparent especially with younger riders venturing into the streets. Body protectors, boots, helmets and gloves are a few essentials every rider needs. There’s no dearth of supply but some know-how of what to look for when shopping helps especially if you’re a novice rider.
Helmets: Choose a full face helmet for complete protection. There are others such as flip-ups and open face but they don’t include ample protection for the chin. Occasional riders who don’t venture many kilometres or those riding in relatively safe zones can benefit from flip-ups and open face but frequent riders should opt for full face headgear.
If off-roading, wear only off-road helmets which have an elongated chin and larger visor space to accommodate safety goggles. Half helmets and beanies should be avoided whether on the road or off it.
Gloves: There are numerous styles of gloves and it’s really more about how much protection they offer against the weather than anything else. Gloves do protect against abrasion during falls but their functionality is highlighted according to weather conditions.
Winter, fingerless and waterproof gloves are what to get because the first is thickly lined and may feature climate control membranes to ward off the cold while the second is great for permitting ventilation during hot days. Waterproof gloves are naturally meant for rainy days and provide better grip on the handle bars even when wet. Some double up as winter gloves.
Jackets: Motorcycle jackets are more than items of clothing; they protect the body against abrasions during falls and collisions. Many have built-in chest and back guards to keep the bones and organs in check as well as the spine in position while riding.
Choose jackets based on how much protection they give the body as well as how insulating or ventilating they are in different weather. A type of jacket called airbag jacket inflates right before impact to cushion riders. They’re expensive, though, and not really needed on city streets.
Boots: Like gloves, boots protect the feet against cold, heat and abrasive elements. However, they have one other function and that’s to protect the feet from cuts and scratches while shifting gear. Ordinary shoes can dent or tear but motorcycle boots are hardy and will retain their shape.
Look for boots that have waterproof characteristics and closures that cinch tight when needed. If possible, invest in two boots, one for cold or rainy weather and another for everyday use. Leather or lightweight synthetic material are the choices you have and both are durable depending on riding conditions.